Blu Robinson 9/12/24 Blu Robinson 9/12/24

Understanding Marijuana Use In Teenagers: A Parent’s Guide

As a parent, discovering that your teenager may be using marijuana can be alarming. Understanding the signs, effects, and how to address the situation is crucial in supporting your child through this challenging phase. The following information will guide you through recognizing marijuana use, having open conversations, and finding effective strategies to help your teenager.

Often common indicators are also similar to regular teenage behaviors where youth are becoming more independent as they find their identity. So it is important to keep your communication open with teens. Other common signs may include:

1. Changes in Behavior: Look for shifts in mood, such as increased irritability, anxiety, paranoia or withdrawal from family and friends.

2. Physical Symptoms: These may include bloodshot eyes, a persistent cough, runny nose, or unusual odors on clothing or in their room. Cannabis has a huge variety of smells. A skunk or vinegar type smell is common, but there are many strains that don’t possess it. Because the cannabis plant produces a large variety of terpenes, cannabis can smell like citrus fruit, you could be smelling limonene, which is also made by actual citrus fruit.

3. Academic Decline: A drop in grades, lack of interest in school activities, or frequent absences can signal substance use.

4. Changes in Friendships: New friends who may be more withdrawn or hanging out with new friends and not wanting to interact with family.

5. Hiding or Lying: If your teen becomes secretive about their activities or whereabouts, it may indicate substance use.

Teenage Marijuana Use Statistics

Understanding the prevalence of marijuana use among teenagers can help parents gauge the seriousness of the issue. According to recent surveys:

1. Approximately 35% of high school students report having used marijuana at least once.

2. Regular use among teens has increased, with around 6% classified as daily users.

3. Studies show that early marijuana use is linked to a higher likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life.

4. Marijuana use in vape pens or wax dabs is on the rise and the most popular method of use. Vape pens and dabs often contain highly concentrated forms of marijuana, which can have significantly higher levels of THS compared to the traditional flower. The use of vape pens allow for more discreet use of consuming as it produces less oder than smoking and can make it easier to use without detection. Vaping can lead to respiratory issues and other problems. The rapid delivery of THC from vaping into the bloodstream can result in heightened anxiety or paranoia.

How to Talk to My Teenager About Marijuana

Approaching the topic of marijuana can be daunting, but open communication is essential. Here are some tips:

1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a calm, private setting to discuss your concerns without distractions. Start with open dialogue asking general questions about their life, school, friends, etc.

2. Listen Actively: Encourage your teenager to share their thoughts and feelings. Show them you are listening by summarizing their points and validating their feelings.

3. Be Honest and Nonjudgmental: Share your concerns without accusing or blaming. Use "I" statements (e.g., "I’ve noticed you seem different lately") to express your feelings.

4. Provide Information: Share factual, age-appropriate information about marijuana, its effects, and the risks associated with use.

What Are Effects of Marijuana on Teenagers- Additional Information can be found at https://graymattersutah.org/

Marijuana can have several negative effects on the developing brain of a teenager, including:

1. Cognitive Impairment: Marijuana use can lead to issues with memory, attention, and learning, which can affect academic performance. Teenagers brains are still actively growing and changing. Bringing substances into the mix can be detrimental to the developing brain.

2. Physical Effects: Vaping can lead to respiratory issues and lung irritation. The rapid delivery of THC from vaping and dabs into the bloodstream can result in heightened anxiety or paranoia.

2. Mental Health Risks: Studies show a correlation between marijuana use and increased anxiety, depression, paranoia and risk of psychosis.

3. Motivation Issues: Regular use can lead to a lack of motivation, commonly referred to as "amotivational syndrome," where teens show decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed.

What To Do If My Teenager Is Using Marijuana And How To Stop Marijuana Use

If you suspect your teenager is using marijuana, here are ways to support them.

1. Stay Calm: Reacting with anger or panic can shut down communication. Approach the situation with understanding and support. This is not the time to jump into interrogation mode. This is a conversation that will take time. Don’t rush things.

2. Encourage Open Dialogue: Keep communication lines open to discuss their feelings and challenges.

3. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules regarding substance use and communicate the consequences of breaking those rules. Be consistent in your parenting, but remember that it is your relationship with your child that comes before rules, so things may need to change as you move forward.

4. Seek Professional Help: Consider consulting a counselor or therapist who specializes in adolescent substance use for guidance. Therapy and support groups can provide them with coping strategies and a safe space to share their experiences.

5. Promote Healthy Activities: Encourage participation in sports, hobbies, or clubs that foster a sense of belonging and purpose..

6. Educate About Alternatives: Help them explore alternatives to marijuana for relaxation and stress relief, such as mindfulness, exercise, or art.

Parenting Strategies for Dealing with Teenage Drug Use

Effective parenting strategies can make a significant difference in addressing substance use: Here are some things to help.

1. Recognize There May Be Deeper Issues: Often when substance come into play it can be due to underlying issues the teen has. Maybe they are feeling depressed. They could have been in a scary or traumatizing situation and don’t know how to process or talk about it. Have they recently been through a huge change? Has the child moved cities, changed schools, lost an important relationship, or are parents are going through a divorce? These can all be triggers to a youth seeking substances to cope with overwhelming feelings or thoughts.

2. Build Trust: Foster a trusting relationship where your teenager feels safe discussing their choices and challenges. Spend more time with your child doing things they enjoy. Do things one on one to build rapport and improve your relationship.

3. Model Healthy Behavior: Demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms and decision-making in your own life.

4. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on trends in drug use and the latest research on marijuana.

Marijuana and Mental Health in Teens

The link between marijuana use and mental health issues is significant. Regular use can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or trigger new ones. Research indicates that adolescents who use marijuana are at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. It’s crucial to address both substance use and any underlying mental health issues simultaneously.

If you worry your child may be experimenting with substances we can help. Please check out our Family Member Resources.

Blu Robinson 6/13/24 Blu Robinson 6/13/24

Starting Exercise and Fitness While Detoxing from Alcohol, Opiates and Benzodiazepines

Detoxing from substances like alcohol, opiates, and benzodiazepines can be a challenging and transformative journey. Integrating exercise and fitness into your routine during this time can greatly support your physical and mental well-being. However, it's crucial to approach it with care and consideration for your body's current state. Here are some tips on how to best begin with exercise and fitness while detoxing from these substances:

1. **Consult a Healthcare Professional**: Before starting any exercise routine, especially while detoxing, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on what types of exercises are safe for you based on your current health status and detox progress.

2. **Start Slow**: Begin with gentle exercises such as walking, yoga, or stretching to ease your body into physical activity. Detoxing can take a toll on your energy levels and stamina, so it's important not to push yourself too hard too soon.

3. **Stay Hydrated**: Proper hydration is key during detox and exercise. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts to support your body's recovery process.

4. **Focus on Mind-Body Activities**: Practices like yoga, tai chi, or meditation can be particularly beneficial during detox as they help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote relaxation.

5. **Build a Routine**: Consistency is key when starting an exercise regimen. Try to establish a routine that works for you and stick to it. This will not only help with your fitness goals but also provide structure and a sense of accomplishment during detox.

6. **Listen to Your Body**: Pay attention to how your body is feeling during and after exercise. If you experience pain, dizziness, or any other unusual symptoms, stop immediately and seek medical advice.

7. **Incorporate Strength Training**: As you progress in your detox journey, consider adding some light strength training to your routine. Building muscle can help improve your metabolism, mood, and overall physical health.

8. **Set Realistic Goals**: Be patient with yourself and set achievable goals. Celebrate small victories along the way and remember that progress takes time.

9. **Seek Support**: Consider joining a fitness class, working out with a friend, or hiring a personal trainer to help keep you motivated and accountable during this challenging time.

Remember, the goal of incorporating exercise and fitness into your detox journey is to support your overall well-being and aid in your recovery process. Be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and celebrate each step you take towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Exercise and fitness play a crucial role in supporting the detox process from illicit substances by promoting physical and mental well-being. Engaging in physical activity helps the body to release endorphins, which can reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Regular exercise also improves sleep quality, boosts mood, and reduces stress and anxiety - common challenges during detox. Additionally, building a healthy exercise routine can instill discipline, self-care habits, and a sense of accomplishment, all of which are essential for successful recovery and long-term sobriety.

Blu Robinson 5/8/23 Blu Robinson 5/8/23

How Sober Skydiving Changes Lives

Addict II Athlete group at Skydive The Wasatch on May 6th, 2023 to help strengthen their recovery from mental health and substance misuse.

Addict II Athlete has taken part in a skydiving event for the last four years with Skydive The Wasatch located in Nephi, Utah. Our certified recovery coach James Johnson felt strongly when he started his AIIA chapter in Uintah, Utah that he wanted to do something extreme to help his athletes follow our philosophy of erasing and replacing.

Coach Johnson said, “I want to help people erase and replace. Everyone’s addiction is extreme in their own way and there are a lot of things in our addiction that are extremely painful. We can run, draw, and work out but sometimes there is an extreme part of labels that we wear. Today this is an extreme way to let go of all of that. For me, it had to be something extreme. Seven years in prison, watching my kids grow up without me, only through pictures, and letting all those people down was extreme. So I needed something extreme to erase and replace it.”

“Skydiving is such a dopamine dump. Back in the day I would go get a teener of meth for $50 and shoot it in my arm, party, and then went to prison. Now, if I ever think of doing that again I think, ‘No, I’m going to go skydiving instead’. Because it costs about the same amount of money. I can’t remember every time I got high, but I REMEMBER EVERY JUMP.”

When you are new to recovery it is important to find new sober and healthy ways to recreate and spend your free time. Skydiving is a great activity to do. In recovery, it is important to erase negative behaviors like substance misuse with positive ones like skydiving. Many other athletes have stated that it has helped them erase their addictions and replace it with a new healthy high.

Skydiving is an amazing experience. Skydiving as part of your recovery from addiction is a helpful way to create positive neuropathways.

Skydiving is an amazing experience. Skydiving as part of your recovery from addiction is a helpful way to create positive neuropathways. When you jump out of that plane, your brain releases dopamine and endorphins, which are both feel-good chemicals that make you feel happy. These chemicals can help your brain heal from addiction.

The exhilaration you feel while skydiving helps build positive associations with being in the air and enjoying new experiences--something that might not have been possible before developing an addiction. Enjoying a natural high can strengthen your recovery from substances. Skydiving is a healthy way to spend your time and can help you face and overcome fear, creating new neuropathways that are not associated with substance use.

When you are new to recovery it is important to find new sober and healthy ways to recreate and spend your free time. Skydiving is a great activity to do.

When you are new to recovery it is important to find new sober and healthy ways to recreate and spend your free time. Skydiving is a great activity to do. Skydiving helps you face and overcome fear. Skydiving can help you create positive experiences that can erase negative behaviors such as drinking alcohol or using drugs.

Shauntea Coledge (left) said before skydiving that she wanted the experience to help her face grief tied to a recent friends death by suicide. Kari Shepherd (right) wanted to erase the past that lead her to jail, institutions, and overdose and replace it with embracing freedom. Location Skydive The Wasatch

When in recovery it is important to erase negative behaviors like substance misuse with positive ones like skydiving. Skydiving is a healthy way to spend your time and can help you face and overcome fear, creating new neuropathways that are not associated with substance use.

Skydiving can help you face and overcome fear which you can generalize to other areas of your life and may help you recover quicker.

Fear of heights, failure, the unknown, and losing control are all fears that many addicts have. Skydiving is a great way to confront these fears in a controlled environment where risk is controlled and safety is a priority. The sense of accomplishment that comes from jumping out of a plane at 13,000 feet with only a parachute on your back will be one of the greatest feelings ever! It can leave you in awe and give you an entirely new greater perspective of the world around you and your life.

Skydiving in tandem with a professional is safer and can teach someone how important it is to utilize healthy sober support in recovery.

Skydiving in tandem with a professional is safer and can teach someone how important it is to utilize healthy sober support in recovery. Skydiving is one of the most dangerous activities you can do. The risk of death or serious injury is high, but so is the reward! There are many ways to overcome these risks, including tandem skydiving with a professional instructor.

Tandem instructors have been trained by their schools to spot and correct mistakes, help their clients overcome fear, and learn how their bodies work in freefall. They will also make sure that your parachute opens properly when it's time to land on the ground again!

These are skills individuals in recovery need to work on. Finding other people in your life who can be your recovery ‘tandem’ support is vital to a journey of changing your life. It can be so effective to work on trusting others and letting go of control. Find individuals who will stick by your side, help you correct mistakes and give you the correct education and support to live a sober life.

Addict II Athlete participants who went skydiving as an extreme way to help them move forward in their recovery by letting go of the experiences, emotions, and behaviors that held them back. Location Skydive The Wasatch

Skydiving sober is a fantastic way to help your brain heal from addiction.

Skydiving sober is a fantastic way to help your brain heal from addiction. When you're sober, skydiving can be a great way to relieve stress and feel more confident in yourself. Skydiving is an adrenaline-filled activity that will help you get out of your head and into your body, which helps with mental health recovery. It's also a great way to connect with others who are struggling with addiction or have overcome it! You'll be able to feel more in control of your life when you're sober skydiving because the experience is safe, controlled and predictable.

Conclusion

Skydiving is a great way to heal from addiction. It's also a fun activity that can be enjoyed while sober. If you are looking for something new and exciting to do in recovery then please consider skydiving. It’s time to make an extreme choice in changing your life.

Blu Robinson 2/17/23 Blu Robinson 2/17/23

What you need to know about opiate withdrawal

Introduction

Opiate withdrawal is a common condition that affects people who have been addicted to opioids. Opiate withdrawal can be debilitating, but it's also possible to detox safely and successfully in the comfort of your own home but also with help from a medical professional if needed. Physical fitness, exercise and wellness can help lessen the harmful effects of opiate withdrawal. Here we'll explore what opiate withdrawal is, how it happens, and what you can do if you're going through this difficult time.

What are opioid withdrawal symptoms?

Opioid withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable and disruptive. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal vary depending on the type of opioid you are using. For example, heroin users may experience vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps while methadone users may experience insomnia and erectile dysfunction.

Some people experience milder symptoms like restlessness or irritability while some others experience severe depression that requires hospitalization to treat with medication such as antidepressants or medications that lessen anxiety.

What are the most common opiate withdrawal symptoms?

Opiate withdrawal can be miserable for anyone, but it's especially difficult for people who have become dependent. The symptoms of opiate withdrawal are varied and can include:

Restlessness or anxiety
Muscle aches and pains (parasthesia)
Sweating and chills
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea, constipation and stomach cramps

These symptoms may be present even after your last dose of opioid medication has been taken. You should also expect to experience cravings while recovering from an opiate addiction—and these cravings will probably get stronger as the days go by without taking any more drugs.

How long do opiate withdrawal symptoms last?

The length of time the symptoms last depends on the type of drug and dose. The longer you take opiates, the longer your withdrawal will be.
Some people experience withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months after they stop taking their drugs. Others may not experience any symptoms at all until days after they stop using them.
Withdrawal from heroin can be severe, dangerous and life-threatening—even for healthy people who have never taken an opiate before!
Most often, the most intense withdrawal symptoms last between two and ten days.

How quickly will opiate withdrawal symptoms begin after the last dose?

Opiate withdrawal symptoms usually begin within three to 24 hours of your last dose. However, it depends on the type of opiate you're taking and how long you've taken it. For example, someone who took heroin for five years may experience withdrawal symptoms within 72 hours instead of 48 or 72 hours.

Are there any risky complications associated with opiate withdrawal?

The good news is that withdrawal from opiates is not fatal. It's usually pretty uncomfortable and can cause mild to moderate symptoms for up to two weeks after you stop taking the drug.

That said, there are some risks associated with withdrawal:

It may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. If you have any underlying health issues—like heart disease or diabetes—your doctor may suggest treating those conditions first before trying to wean yourself off opiates completely. This could mean taking medicine as prescribed by your doctor (prescribed medication) or self-treating with natural remedies like hot baths or Epsom salts baths instead of going cold turkey on everything (cold turkey).

Does everyone experience the same type of opiate withdrawal symptoms?

While the symptoms of opiate withdrawal are the same for everyone, they can be exacerbated by certain factors. For example, some people experience more severe symptoms than others. Some may have a much stronger reaction to their drug of choice and therefore experience more intense cravings and withdrawals when taking it away from them.

Some people also seem to react differently to opiate addiction than others. One person may find that their cravings for heroin or prescription opioids disappear entirely once they stop using them; another will still want them even after discontinuation. It's possible that these differences in how one responds could help explain why some people relapse while others do not—but there isn't conclusive evidence yet on this topic (and there probably never will be).

Is there a difference between detoxing off heroin and detoxing off of prescription opioids?

With heroin, you're more likely to experience side effects and withdrawal symptoms. If you're taking prescription opioids, they may not cause the same discomfort.

What's more important: getting off the drug or staying on it? The answer depends on what your goals are for treatment. If your goal is to stop using all opioids altogether, then it's best to do that through detox from heroin or other drugs like methadone or Suboxone (a medication used for treating addiction). However, suppose your goal is reducing how often and how much painkillers are being used without giving up entirely on them (or their benefits).

What can I expect if I go to an inpatient medical detox program for opiates?

If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to detox from an opiate addiction, inpatient medical detox is your best option. Inpatient treatment programs offer comprehensive care that can help you get off opiates safely, quickly and comfortably.

Most people who go through an inpatient program can withdraw from their drugs within 72 hours—and some programs have even seen success with patients unable to achieve this goal on their own. This makes it one of the most successful ways out there when it comes down to considering how long it takes just about anyone else (no matter what you're addicted to) over days or weeks at home alone without any professional help!

What are my options for detox from opiates?

If you're seeking outpatient treatment, there are a few options available. Some hospitals offer medication-assisted therapy (MAT), which involves taking medications such as methadone or buprenorphine to help ease withdrawal symptoms and lessen cravings. Other facilities may provide medical detox, which involves monitoring patients' vital signs and administering IV fluids while they withdraw from opiates.

Opiate withdrawal is manageable with proper treatment.

Opiate withdrawal is a physical and emotional process. It's not fatal, but it can be uncomfortable and challenging to manage. Some medications help ease the symptoms of opiate detoxification and withdrawal, including buprenorphine or methadone for the short-term management of cravings for opioids (a prescription drug used to treat chronic pain).

But you don't have to struggle alone: support groups like Addict II Athlete encourage people with addictions to talk openly about their experiences while undergoing treatment. In addition, many states have access programs that provide free treatment at private clinics in your area—a great option if you're uninsured or unable to afford private insurance coverage for treatment costs related directly or indirectly associated with opiate addiction itself.

You can get through opiate withdrawal by staying hydrated and eating well. Exercise plays a positive role during opiate withdrawal by producing natural chemicals in your brain that will help offset some of the effects of withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or depression. Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter with both pain-relieving and mood-enhancing properties, which can aid in improving your outlook while going through opiate withdrawal. Exercise will also help regulate your blood pressure which may be elevated due to opiate withdrawal. The simplest form of exercise is walking, which is a great way to get outside and start moving again if you haven't been physically active recently due to your addiction issue. Yoga is another excellent type of exercise for opiate withdrawal, which also helps decrease stress and often has a calming effect.

Conclusion

Opiate withdrawal is a very important part of recovery from addiction to opiates. It can be managed but can also be dangerous if not done correctly. Do your research and make sure you have the right resources in hand before going through detoxification. Addict II Athlete can help support those needing assistance with opiate withdrawal with our healthy recreation and exercise activities, events, and programs.

Blu Robinson 2/14/23 Blu Robinson 2/14/23

The Troops Are Not Coming

I have heard Coach Blu say several times, “The troops are not coming”. He speaks of it about your need to do something to find your own answers and support regarding addiction and mental health. I have come to understand this also applies to the family members of those who struggle with mental health and/or addiction. My particular journey has been very lonely. I live in a small rural town, and attend a small church congregation. Both of my communities were uncomfortable discussing hard topics like addiction.

I realized one day, as I was thinking of my son’s struggles, that if my son had been diagnosed with cancer, the troops around me would have paraded in and out of my home. They would have also called; they would have been there for me. My son struggled with emotional health issues that culminated in addiction; the troops never arrived.

I remember the first time I participated in a race with my son and his family. They had been feeling the support of their troops through AIIA for some time. Since I live several states away this was the first race, I had a chance to attend. I was not a runner, and I found myself oddly emotional. I realized that there were many around me who either understood my son’s struggles, or they understood mine. This was very new to me. I had spent years of my life feeling alone in what I was experiencing. It was all I could do not to burst into tears. I tried to express what was happening to me to someone else in the crowd. I articulated my thoughts poorly, struggled to find the words. Adding to the moment was awkwardness since I did not personally know them and I knew I was on the verge of an emotional meltdown. Looking back on that experience I don’t know why I didn’t realize that the reason I had struggled so long alone, was because I had never known where to find, my troops.

I tried at different times in my life to visit with my friends about what I was experiencing. Unfortunately, with very few exceptions they were not my troops. I even had someone say to me, “everyone knows you feel hurt about your son, you don’t need to talk about it”. It was very hurtful for me to be told that, until one day I was taught that in order to tell your story you must find someone who can bear the weight of your story. Then I understood, to share, I must find others who can handle hearing my story. I also came to understand that often others cannot bear the weight of your story for various reasons. Still, one thing that is particularly frightening to many is that it may bring to the forefront of their understanding that difficult circumstances can be beyond our control.

At one time I would have told you that in order to bear my story it had to be someone who experienced similar things. I have come to understand that is not necessarily true. There are people who are gifted at listening, and even though they might not share the same experiences, they have the ability to listen and validate. Just because someone shares a similar story, does not mean they have the strength or ability to bear your story. You might think that other family members should be your troops. Though that seems logical, due to their own struggles in the circumstance, they might not be in a position to be a support. They may have their own pain that needs to be worked through, and they may be in a different place of development in the situation than you are. I can tell you, that those who will be able to bear your story will most likely be those who have gone through difficulty of some kind and have grown through their circumstances. There is nothing more comforting than when you are able to share experiences with someone who has some sort of common ground, who practically know what you are going to say before you say it, because they “know”. Those are rare circumstances due to the fact that each individual is so unique. When we find our troops, we will sometimes be lifted; other times we will do the lifting. We will sometimes be understood, and other times we will offer the understanding. It was meant to be so.

The main thing to understand is that you must find your troops. It is not necessary to feel alone in your journey. As Coach Blue says, “The troops are not coming. We are the troops”.

Coach Dee-Addict II Athlete Family Systems Recovery Coach

Blu Robinson 1/23/23 Blu Robinson 1/23/23

It's Not About You

This is a really difficult concept to feel; not so much to understand with your head, but to have your heart fully on board. It’s a struggle. Since you feel pain, sorrow, and anger about your loved one struggling with addiction, it feels as though it is about you. It is definitely affecting your life.

If the focus of your feelings is about you, how this affects you, or how this all looks to others, then your actions in the situation will not be constructive. It may also prevent you in moving from a closed mindset to a growth mindset, which is absolutely necessary for you to truly be of any help to your loved one.

I have heard it said that parents are afraid it is their fault when they have a child who struggles with addiction. I do think that fear is present. I also know that people around you may not understand what is happening to your child, therefore, they also may say things that lay fault at your feet. I belong to a church family that does not believe in the use of alcohol, so I used to hear things like, “boy where did you go wrong with him,” or things like, “if it was my child, I would do... [insert whatever advice was given].”

I also live in a community where alcohol, and now marijuana, is very accepted and prevalent. Many families have raised their children while they participate in alcohol and now legal marijuana, participating in those substances in moderation, so they too assume certain things about your parenting as contributing to the situation. One of the common assumptions, is that since you don’t participate in those things it has actually caused your child to go overboard with them.

In order for you to effectively respond as best you can to your family member, you must get past the defensive point that it’s about you. You must come to accept that people around you who have not dealt with it, do not understand, and you pray they will never go through the education necessary to understand.

Addiction happens across all walks of life, and across all kinds of families, and circumstances. Another truth is that there are just as many people walking around leading strong good lives who came from difficult circumstances. Many of whom made commitments in bad circumstances to change their lives, and therefore their children’s lives, from the lives they had to something better, these are called cycle breakers.

We likely take too much credit whether our family members do well or struggle. We don’t truly have the control necessary to wear the accolades or judgments of our family members choices. Choices in life are exactly that, choices. And we each have them to make.

Another by-product of thinking it is about you is anger. No one ever reacts well to a situation when they experience feelings of anger. No person believes someone who says, “I love you,” but is angry with them most of the time. Individuals who struggle with addiction already feel badly about themselves. They already believe they are bad because they feel they are different than other people. To feel anger and hate from others just reaffirms these negative feelings.

Since it is not about you, there is no reason to cover up for your loved one or make excuses for your loved one. If your loved one had any other health issue you would research that issue, educate yourself, and seek help in any way that would help them. You would never pretend it didn’t exist. You would never ignore symptoms as they become apparent. You would never do anything that would harm your loved one more, to make yourself appear better to others. You would know that being a good loving parent means that you would do all within your power that will effectively help the situation.

In other words, you would move into a growth mindset and expand your understanding and knowledge to the best of your ability. Then you would seek to implement what you learned as diligently as possible. If you failed to conquer a necessary technique, you would try again, and again, until you have gained more skills. So many obstacles are off the table when you understand it is not about you. You are then in a position to accept that there is a truth out there that we can always do better, and be better, and work towards those goals.

Addict II Athlete Recovery Coach Dee (emphasis on supporting family members)

About the Author

I lost my son in December 2021 to suicide after a lifetime struggle with addiction. He found sobriety after a jail stint and finding the newly organized Addict to Athlete program. Hemaintained sobriety for 9 years. He shared with me in the last year of his life that he had experienced some relapses. How extensive they were may only be known to him. While rereading letters he sent me from jail after his death, he expressed that I should never be afraid to share his story, my story, with anyone it might help. I learned so much on this journey with him, and desire to share in the hopes that it might strengthen others dealing with the same situation to know there is a tribe out in the world who understand what you are going through. In talking about the stumbling blocks that I have struggled with, I hope it may help you move through them, if you encounter the same.

Blu Robinson 1/20/23 Blu Robinson 1/20/23

A Life Of Balance In Sobriety

Introduction

The process of getting sober and finding balance takes time, which is why it's so important to be patient with yourself. Ask yourself honestly whether your choices are balanced and healthy regarding your work, school, friends, relationships, and spiritual life. You'll need to make sacrifices along the way (and these will vary from person to person). Still, if you want a healthy first few years after sobriety, then it's worth investigating what those sacrifices might look like for you before deciding how much time or money you want to invest in them.

Finding balance in your first few years of sobriety is a challenge.

When you first get sober, it's normal to feel like the world is your oyster. You can do whatever you want! But as much fun as this sounds in theory, it's crucial to take stock of your situation and your options before making significant changes.

For example: say that after getting sober, one of the best things about sobriety would be quitting my job so I could focus all my time on being an artist full-time. This might sound great at first—but what if I'm not sure I have what it takes? What if quitting my job means losing money from my paycheck every month? Or worse yet...what if having more time on my hands meant having less motivation to work hard at painting or performing music?

You'll have a lot of decisions to make.

You'll have a lot of decisions to make. Your work, school, physical, emotional and spiritual life will require a unique set of decisions. You will have to decide what kind of person you want to be—good or bad? What are your core values? Do you want your sobriety in order? A healthy relationship with loved ones? Is there room for some fun in your life without getting into trouble with drugs or alcohol?

It's all up for grabs when it comes down to a balance between the things that matter most in life, including yourself!

Taking stock of your situation and options before making significant changes is essential.

Make sure you are taking the time to think about what you want. If not, then now is the time to take stock of your situation and options.

If possible, don't rush into making changes that will negatively impact your life or other people's lives.

The process of getting sober and finding balance takes time, which is why it's so important to be patient with yourself.

It may take a few weeks or months before you feel like your life has returned to normal. You might have some cravings for alcohol or drugs, but these can usually be managed by taking one step at a time and keeping an eye on what works for you.

Ask yourself honestly whether your choices are balanced and healthy in terms of your work, school, friends, relationships, and spiritual life.

Ask yourself honestly whether your choices are balanced and healthy regarding your work, school, friends, relationships, and spiritual life.

Being honest with yourself about what balance means for you is essential. Don't make significant changes immediately or jump into something without taking the time to think things through. Don't be afraid to ask for help if things aren't working out as planned—or even if they are! If one thing isn't working out as well as expected, try changing it instead of giving up entirely on your goal (or goals).

Balance is important and worth investigating.

The importance of balance in life cannot be overstated. Balance is not just a nice thing; it's an essential part of being human.

Balance can be found in many ways, from spending time with friends or family to taking care of your health and fitness. This chapter will help you find balance in your own life by exploring these topics:

How do I keep my balance?
In what ways can I maintain my sense of self-worth while also caring for others?

Conclusion

Athletes, this new path of living may seem foreign and complex, but it is possible. I hope this post has helped you understand what balance is, how to achieve it, and why it is essential for sobriety. At Addict II Athlete, we often focus on the principle of balance as that is a key to a successful life. If you have any questions about the topic, please feel free to reach out. Our team is always happy to help you with your journey toward balanced living.

Blu Robinson 12/20/22 Blu Robinson 12/20/22

Fantanyl

Fentanyl

The Opioid Crisis has devistated communities across the country and around the world. Overdose deaths in the United States involving opioids has increased significantly. The graph below provided by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), indicates Opioid-involved overdose deaths rose from 21,088 in 2010 to 47,600 in 2017 and remained steady in 2018 with 46,802 deaths. This was followed by a significant increase through 2020 to 68,630 overdose deaths.

As a nation we have learned pain control medications that contain opioids are highly addictive, even after using as prescribed for a short amount of time. Many adjustments have been made in doctors' offices, pharmacies, and educating the general public about the potential for abuse.

Additionally, approximately 50% (NIDA)of all overdoses involve Fentanyl and is predicted that this number will continue to move upward, prompting people to be more educated and informed about Fentanyl.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule Il prescription drug, and it is typically used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery

(National Institute of Drug Abuse).

Similar to other opioid analgesics, fentanyl produces effects such as: relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression.

(Drug Enforcement Administration DEA).

Fentanyl is being added to other drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA (Ecstasy) among others to increase its affect and strength. Some users think they may be using a particular drug and it in reality it is laced with Fentanyl (B. Ramin).

How Addict II Athlete is helping

Addict II Athlete is here to support people who are struggling with opiate abuse including fentanyl. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of prescription medications and therapy for people who suffer from addiction. Medications work to normalize brain chemistry and block the euphoric effect of opioids. Methadone and Buprenorphine are some of the medications used to treat substance use disorders by reducing opioid cravings, sustain recovery, and prevent overdose.

Addict II Athlete supports Medication Assisted Treatment. We also host overdose trainings and teach individuals the signs of overdose as well as provide the overdose reversal drug Naloxone to participants. This opioid reversal drug is a necessary tool to save lives of those suffering from the overdose effects of opioids.

In Summary

Opioid-involved overdose deaths, predominantly Fentanyl, has claimed the lives of thousands of people. Other States have seen significant increases in its use, abuse, and mortality. In Utah, we are seeing increased prevalence of fentanyl, however it isn’t as devastating here as it is in other cities. We are told that the issue is on the rise and we will continue to see more Fentanyl use and overdoses in the years to come. We support multiple pathways to recovery and have resources to treatment options.

Blu Robinson 7/26/22 Blu Robinson 7/26/22

Will I Get Fired For Going To Rehab?

What do you need to know when you recognize you need addiction help for yourself or a loved one?

Drug and alcohol use disorders affect millions of Americans every year. But, the number of people who actually seek treatment is far less than the number of those who need help. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2017, an estimated 20.7 million people age 12 and older needed treatment for a substance use disorder. Only 4 million people received treatment or about 19% of those who needed it

When looking into addiction treatment or rehab it is vital to identify the severity of the person’s need. How often and how much does the individual consume the substance? Do they have withdrawal symptoms if they try to cut down or stop the substance? Is it causing issues in their life with relationships, jobs, housing, transportation, legal, etc. What is the individual’s willingness to seek treatment and make changes?

Once you know some of these answers it is important to look into a professional for a substance abuse assessment. We suggest finding a separate organization to do this that will be able to give you a clear evaluation and recommendations that don’t benefit the organization directly. Many facilities do assessments and then automatically recommend treatment with them so they benefit from your needs. Thus, not always giving an unbiased assessment. We offer substance abuse assessments if you are interested.

Following an assessment the person will recommend some form of treatment usually detox, residential (rehab or 24 hour care), day treatment (PHP- 30 hours per week) or outpatient treatment. In outpatient treatment there are different levels of care starting from intensive outpatient (IOP) that requires 9-12 hours per week (usually in the evenings). Then general outpatient (GOP) which is 1-7 hours per week. These levels of treatment often have group, individual and family treatment involved. You could also be recommended to find a therapist and engage in individual counseling.

Can you be fired from your job for going to rehab? Committing to treatment is a huge decision, but if you don’t get help, substance use will threaten your job security anyway. Luckily, there are legal protections for someone who is working towards recovery.

FMLA, or the Family and Medical Leave Act, offers protection against job termination for rehab. According to the United States Department of Labor FMLA gives some workers 12 work weeks of unpaid employment/position-protected leave for medical/family reasons. And you don’t have to say ‘why’.

The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health states that a substance use disorder falls under the category of mental health disorders and thus is protected under the FMLA. Treatment, or rehab, qualifies as a medical reason to receive this 12 week leave period.

This protection resets every insurance calendar year, which can be a nice in the case of a relapse or additional need for other services in your recovery journey. FLMA ensures that during those 12 weeks you are not working you’ll still have access to your employee health benefits.

FLMA applies to all public agencies. You’re eligible under the FMLA if the following apply:

You’ve worked for your employer at least 12 months;
If you have worked for a minimum of 1,250 hours over the past 12 months;
You’re employed at a site where the company employs 50 or more workers within 75 miles.

If you meet these criteria, you can’t be fired for going to rehab by simply taking an FMLA leave of absence.

Just because you’re eligible doesn’t mean FLMA automatically goes into action. Be sure to request an FMLA leave from your employer. You can be fired for going to rehab if you don’t follow the formal FMLA process for requesting a leave of absence.

If you enter a treatment facility first, contact your employer as soon as possible. Most facilities have staff that can help you with this. They will also have the medical director write a note or fill out your employers paperwork to excuse you from work.

There is ADA Protection against being fired for going to rehab.

FMLA isn’t the only protection if you’re questioning “can I be fired for going to rehab?” The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is federal law that prohibits discrimination against employees who have disabilities.

Remember an individual with a disability doesn’t include a person who is currently using illegal drugs according to the United States Department of Justice. Under the ADA, an employer can terminate an employee if he or she is using drugs or alcohol on the job, if substance use impacts performance or productivity or if substance use creates unsafe conditions on the job. https://www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08.pdf

It’s a different matter if your employer discovers you’re going to rehab. For example, you’re going to take four weeks of your vacation hours and plan to spend it in rehab. Then your employer finds out that you’re going to enter treatment.

According to the ADA, you can’t be fired for going to rehab in this situation. That’s because chemical dependency is considered a disability.

The ADA law looks to the time a person is actually terminated to determine whether that employee is currently abusing drugs or alcohol. The law doesn’t look at past issues due to drug and alcohol abuse. If you look into chemical dependency treatment by yourself, you can’t be fired for going to rehab or be fired for past mistakes due to drug and alcohol use.

If you’re unsure about how entering treatment will impact your employment, talk to the admissions specialists at the rehab facility. They can help guide you on the best way to get into treatment and still keep your job.

When you are ready to talk to your boss about entering treatment, you may have concerns about job security and confidentiality. Most of the time people with substance use disorders face stigma in the workplace. By law, employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive regarding the addiction or substance abuse treatment of any of their employees.

But it is good to know that the understanding of addiction has evolved and many people are much more understanding, mostly when you are open and honest. It is a lot less difficult to approach an employer now than it was years ago. We have found many bosses very understanding and supportive when athletes and clients have went to them to seek help. However, you may still want to raise the topic carefully and with preparation.

Make sure to learn your company’s policies. You could read through new hire paperwork or check with Human Resources.

Once you decide to get any level of treatment it is important that you finish what you start. Continue with aftercare and support. Find recovery support in your community like Addict II Athlete. It is long term support that will help you the most to be successful in recovery.

Blu Robinson 7/7/22 Blu Robinson 7/7/22

Addict II Athlete Skydive the Wasatch Event Follow-Up: A Closer Look with 3rd Year Participant, Rob Rich

by Skydive the Wasatch | Jul 7, 2022 | Skydiving in Utah, Tandem Skydiving

On May 14, Skydive the Wasatch hosted its 3rd Annual Addict II Athlete Skydive the Wasatch Event. We highlighted the event prior to this year’s meet-up in a blog post you can find here.

In short, Addict II Athlete is a non-profit recovery support group for individuals and their families who struggle with addiction and mental health. Addict II Athlete uses exercise and other action-based methods as a way for their participants to replace their old, negative behaviors with positive ones. For the past three years, the Uintah Basin Chapter of Addict II Athlete has chosen Skydive the Wasatch as a hosting ground for one of their fundraising events. They chose skydiving as an activity for their members to enjoy because of the similar endorphin release it provides to that of drugs, but also, because of the lessons that skydiving can teach. We at Skydive the Wasatch are so grateful to host this group.

“It means so much to us to be able to work with Addict II Athlete,” Skydive the Wasatch owner, Leon Roullard, said. “These are not just people coming to skydive. These are people coming to skydive with the hopes that this experience will change their lives forever. The coaches have talked about providing a sport that will give them a rush and a natural high. People can open their eyes and realize that there is so much more to life than drugs and alcohol and instead of falling back to those they will choose to seek the natural high.”

This year’s Addict II Athlete Skydive the Wasatch event consisted of 38 tandem jumps along with 15-20 spectators, an inspirational meeting on overcoming fear hosted by Addict II Athlete coaches, and a giant barbeque.

Following this year’s event, we caught up with long-time Addict II Athlete member and 3-year skydiving participant, Rob Rich, about his experience with the Addict II Athlete Skydive the Wasatch event.

Rich had many takeaways from his experience. A few include learning how to overcome fear, learning how to trust and rely on a support system, and gratitude for a new way of living.

**Addict II Athlete Skydive the Wasatch event participant on a tandem skydive.**

“I’m very grateful for Skydive the Wasatch and the opportunity they give us to participate in things we don’t normally get to,” Rich said.

“One thing I love about it [skydiving]- it gets me out of my comfort zone… It gives me the push to do things that are hard. I love the enjoyment of the adrenaline rush of doing things this way. Being addicts, we used to have an adrenaline rush another way. This is a completely different adrenaline rush, doing things that are better for us, helping us achieve different accomplishments.”

Rich described his first year at the event as being very nervous, especially with it being his first time skydiving. His second year, he was more comfortable but had a bad experience due to being on an all-liquid fast diet. This year, Rich got to experience skydiving in all its beauty and take in a deeper meaning of the lessons taught by his Addict II Athlete coaches.

“This year I just let go of everything and loved the whole experience,” Rich said.

When asked about this year in comparison to previous years, Rich said the main thing he learned over the years was how to have trust in others.

“One thing [I noticed] when I started looking into the skydiving event, first time and each time since, you have to have a lot of trust. First of all, in the company you’re doing it with, the guys that you’re jumping with, and then the equipment, that it’s going to work,” Rich said.

Rich used Greg, our senior parachute rigger as an example.

“Greg, he packs the parachutes. The trust that you have to have in somebody like that to make sure that equipment is going to work properly. Just like life, you have to trust someone to get you through the hard times in life,” Rich said.

Rich also shared how it felt good to be a veteran there to support newer members and individuals who were experiencing their first skydive.

“It’s good to have people that have been there before to encourage those who haven’t. They are so new, [they] haven’t done it before,” Rich said.

“Just like everybody in recovery, we all need the help and support from anybody that’s been there.”

We at Skydive the Wasatch have noticed the effect veteran jumpers and Addict II Athlete members have had on newer members at the event as well.

“The excitement of the veterans is contagious and the newcomers feed off that as they get ready for their own jumps,” Skydive the Wasatch owner, Roullard said.

Rich said his favorite part of this year’s event was watching Leon [Roullard] jump with an American flag and being a part of an older lady’s bucket-list item.

**Skydive the Wasatch Owner, Leon Roullard in the midst of a jump with an American flag.**

“I’m a very patriotic person,” Rich said. “One of my biggest highlights, especially this year, was seeing Leon jump out of the plane with the American flag- [the] flag soaring in the air. I love my country, love the service men and women.”

“…All the new people that come into our Addict II Athlete group, making new friends, and seeing them experience this kind of stuff for the first time. There was a 70-75 year old lady who did it. It was her bucket list item. The look on her face when she was done and the team building that’s done when we’re there is just amazing.”

Skydive the Wasatch is proud to be a part of the annual Addict II Athlete skydiving event. The combination of repeat participants and new participants has made each year unique in its own way and we’re excited to host the Uintah Basin chapter for many years to come.

For more information about Addict II Athlete, you can visit their website at www.addictoathlete.org.

Are you interested in hosting a group event at Skydive the Wasatch? We’d love to have you! Fill out our form here or contact us by phone at (385) 321-0284 or email at info@skydivethewasatch.com.

To stay in-the-loop on other upcoming events, please subscribe to our blog!

Blu Robinson 12/7/21 Blu Robinson 12/7/21

What you need to know when you or a loved one need addiction help?

It is vital to identify the severity of the person’s need. How often and how much does the individual consume the substance? Do they have withdrawal symptoms if they try to cut down or stop the substance? Is it causing issues in their life with relationships, jobs, housing, transportation, legal, etc. What is the individual’s willingness to seek treatment and make changes?

Once you know some of these answers it is important to look into a professional for a substance abuse assessment. We suggest finding a separate organization to do this that will be able to give you a clear evaluation and recommendations that don’t benefit them. Many facilities do assessments then automatically recommend treatment with them so they benefit from your needs. Thus, not always giving an unbiased assessment. If you are interested in a substance abuse assessment we offer that as a service.

Following an assessment, the person will recommend some form of treatment usually detox, residential (drug rehab), day treatment or outpatient treatment. In outpatient treatment, there are also different levels starting from intensive outpatient (IOP) that requires 9-12 hours per week (usually in the evenings). Then general outpatient (GOP) which is 1-7 hours per week. These levels of treatment often have group, individual and family treatment times. You could also be recommended to find a therapist and engage in individual counseling.

Most drug rehab’s are covered by insurance. You can contact your insurance provider to identify in-network facilities near you.

Can you be fired from your job for going to rehab? Committing to treatment is a huge decision, but if you don’t get help, substance use will threaten your job security anyway. Luckily, there are legal protections for someone who is working towards recovery.

FMLA, or the Family and Medical Leave Act, offers protection against job termination for rehab. According to the United States Department of Labor FMLA gives some workers 12 workweeks of unpaid employment/position-protected leave for medical/family reasons. And you don’t have to say ‘why’.

This protection resets annually, which can be nice in the case of a relapse or additional need for other services in your recovery journey. FLMA ensures that during those 12 weeks that you are not working you’ll still have access to your employee health benefits.

FLMA applies to all public agencies. You’re eligible under the FMLA if the following apply:

You’ve worked for your employer at least 12 months;
If you have worked for a minimum of 1,250 hours over the past 12 months;
You’re employed at a site where the company employs 50 or more workers within 75 miles.

If you meet these criteria, you can’t be fired for going to rehab by simply taking an FMLA leave of absence.

There is ADA Protection against being fired for going to rehab. FMLA isn’t the only protection if you’re questioning “can I be fired for going to rehab?” The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is federal law that prohibits discrimination against employees who have disabilities.

It’s a different matter if your employer discovers you’re going to treatment. For example, let’s say you’re going to take four weeks of your vacation hours and plan to spend it in rehab. Your employer finds out that you’re going to enter treatment. According to the ADA, you can’t be fired for going to rehab in this situation. That’s because chemical dependency is considered a disability.

When you are ready to talk to your boss about entering treatment, you may have concerns about job security and confidentiality. In general, people with substance use disorders face stigma in the workplace. By law, employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive regarding the addiction or substance abuse treatment of any of their employees.

But it is good to know that the understanding of addiction has evolved and many people are much more understanding, mostly when you are open and honest. It is a lot less difficult to approach an employer now than it was years ago. We have found many bosses very understanding and supportive when athletes and clients have gone to them to seek help. You may still want to broach the topic carefully and with preparation, however. Make sure to learn your company’s policies. You could read through hiring paperwork or check with Human Resources.

Once you decide to get any level of treatment it is important that you finish what you start. Continue with aftercare and support. Find recovery support in your community like Addict II Athlete. It is long-term support that will help you the most to be successful in recovery. We also have a podcast episode about What you need to know before going to rehab.

Blu Robinson 1/5/21 Blu Robinson 1/5/21

How To Erase And Replace

Erase and Replace

Addict to Athlete’s focus is our unique erase and replace philosophy. What does that mean? We recognize that when you take away something (ie. drugs, relationships, activities) if you don’t intentionally replace it with something positive, something will automatically fill that void. It is extremely important to erase and replace with intentional choices and actions to make your life as great as possible.

Memories

Memories are an interesting thing. Most individuals recall memories that change every time you think of them. You add and modify the memory each time it is remembered. So you have the ability to change the memory in time.

Think about what you would like to forget. Remember the details. This may be hard but it is necessary. Write it down.

What happened?
Who was there?
Where did it happen?
How did you feel?

Think about the worst portions of the memory. Get to the root of why it is troublesome. This will help you figure out what you need to forget. Write them down.

Procedural release

This is a mental exercise to help you forget. Turn your memory into a picture image. Now set it on fire in your mind. Take time to imagine the detail of the picture and how it turns brown and curls up as it burns until it is gone. You could also try to use another image in place of the actual memory. For example, picture the image as an object and have it sink into a lake.

Remove triggering objects

Certain objects trigger painful memories and make it harder to forget. If you have objects that trigger bad memories put them out of sight or get rid of them.

Replacing

Think about unpleasant details while you do something enjoyable. Teach yourself to associate the unpleasant memory with good things. The goal is to make the negative memories less painful through positive association.

For example, reflect on a bad moment while listening to soothing music while you let the memory disappear.

Make new memories

Get out and form new memories. Go to a place with negative associations and create new happy memories by having a BBQ with family and friends. Even if you’re not doing things related to the memory you’d like to forget, forming new memories will push the things you want to forget out of the way.

Take up a new hobby
Try a new activity
Read a new book
Watch a movie
Find a new job
Make new friends

Erase bad memories

Seek other ways to experience positive things that are similar to the memory that you want to forget. After a while, your mind will start crossing its pathways and the original memory won’t be as strong.

If your ex’s cologne is stuck in your mind, go to the fragrance counter. Smell every single kind of men’s cologne you can, clog your mind with new smells.

Summary

The erase and replace philosophy can help anyone with any struggle, not just those struggling with addiction. This is a practice to help you move past the ties that bind you. Get out there and find an erase and replace experience today.

If you are interested in coaching or counseling please contact us for support.

Blu Robinson 11/17/20 Blu Robinson 11/17/20

Do I Have A Food Addiction?

Research has shown that for some people, the same reward and pleasure centers of the brain that are triggered by addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin are also switched on by food, especially things like sugar, fat, and salt. Hunger hormones get excreted when your stomach is empty (ghrelin) telling you that you're hungry. Another hormone (leptin) is excreted when you're full or satiated. Unnatural simple carbs like sugar, high fructose corn syrup, white flour, and polyunsaturated fatty acids that come from hydrogenated vegetable oils, often used in many foods, especially fast food will block the excretion of leptin causing you to NOT feel satiated or full which in turn leads to obsessively overeating.

The feel-good brain chemical like dopamine is triggered by these foods as well as with addictive drugs. Once people experience pleasure associated with increased dopamine release they quickly feel the need to eat again.

Compulsive overeating is a type of behavioral addiction. Meaning someone can become obsessed with a behavior similar to gabling or shopping. These activities can trigger intense pleasure. Individuals with food addictions lose control of their eating behavior and end up spending excessive amounts of time with food and overeating, or anticipating the meal.

Someone with tendencies of food addiction can even develop a tolerance to food eating more and more, and realizing it satisfies them less and less.

People who are addicted to food will continue to eat despite negative consequences, such as weight gain or damaged relationships. And like people who are addicted to drugs or gambling, people who are addicted to food will have trouble stopping the negative behavior, even if they want to or have tried controlling their food intake. Many become yo-yo dieters. Losing weight to only gain it back within a year or two.

The symptoms and thought processes associated with food addiction are similar to that of drug abuse. It’s just a different substance, and the social consequences may be less severe. Food addiction can cause physical harm and lead to chronic health conditions like obesity , type 2 diabetes, and even death.

Researchers at Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Science & Policy developed a questionnaire to identify people with food addictions.

Here are some examples of questions that can help determine if you have a food addiction. Do you:

End up eating more than planned when you start eating certain foods
Keep eating certain foods even if you're no longer hungry
Eat to the point of feeling ill
Worry about not eating certain types of foods or worry about cutting down on certain types of foods
Go out of your way to obtain certain food you are attracted to
Consume certain foods so often or in such large quantities that you spend time dealing with negative feelings from overeating instead of working, spending time with my family or friends, or engaging in other important activities or recreational activities you enjoy.
Have problems functioning effectively at your job or school because of food and eating.
Have emotions such as depression, anxiety, self-loathing, or guilt due to eating food
Need to eat more and more food to reduce negative emotions or increase pleasure.
Notice the same amount of food doesn't reduce negative emotions or increase pleasure the way it used to.

The questionnaire asks about psychological withdrawal symptoms as well. For example, when you cut down on certain foods do you have symptoms such as:

Anxiety
Agitation
Other physical symptoms

It is important to remember recovery from food addiction may be more complicated than recovery from other kinds of addictions because as human beings we are dependent on food. However, that does not mean it is not possible to achieve health and healing from the negative compulsive behavior.

Working through addictive thinking and behaviors can be difficult. It is important to remember that similar to substance abuse the behavior of using the substance or ‘food’ to fill a void or numb out uncomfortable feelings is only the behavior. The real issue is what lies behind it. It isn’t the act of over eating, it is WHY are you over eating.

Identifying the real issue behind the eating is vital to gaining control of the compulsive behavior. Often people get caught up in managing the eating and not addressing their thinking. It is our thinking that create our feelings, that create our behaviors. You can start by working on self awareness. If you change your thinking you can really change your world.

You can also work from the outside in by changing your behaviors. Start living a lifestyle that is congruent with a healthy person, which will in turn change your feelings and then your thoughts. Find a purpose in recovery, in life, and in your future.

Help can be as simple as a phone call away with professionals who understand the principles of recovery, relationships, and ultimately healing. Please feel free to contact us for counseling or coaching and additional information on ways to assist in erasing and replacing it with attributes of health, service, relationships and purpose. Let us help you move from addict to athlete. Listen more about this topic on our podcast Can You Be Addicted To Food? and Nutrition: The Next Step To Healing.

Blu Robinson 11/7/20 Blu Robinson 11/7/20

How To Communicate With An Addict

Did you know as a family member of an addict, there is a healthy balance between enabling and supporting? Often times family members try so hard to control the addict and the addiction that they lose themselves in the process. They either give all they have or control everything in the loved one’s life. This can be similar to squeezing sand in the palm of your hand. The more you squeeze the more you lose. During this time, it is easy to become stressed, resentful, angry, and indifferent.

Addiction happens for a reason, there is always something behind it. It is important to educate yourself on addiction and mental health issues. Remember, your motivation for change may be higher than their motivation for change. Many addicts who seek treatment or counseling will often shift during this process and gain more motivation as they see the benefit of it. Be patient. It also shows them you are supportive if you are willing to look at yourself and make changes as well. This can be going to family or couples counseling. Addiction is a family disease, not just a personal one. The entire family needs therapy and counseling to truly heal.

Family members are often encouraged to seek counseling and support for themselves as they learn to find balance and to create healthy boundaries. You should be clear what your boundaries are and what you will or won’t put up with. Boundaries are there to keep you safe, not the addict. Take time to think about what you need. Then make sure to follow through so you aren’t making empty threats.

It is often seen that once family members seek outside support they withdraw completely from the addict. In a dangerous turn of events the family member can become so detached they aren’t able to communicate in a healthy manner leaving the addict completely alone. It is sad to see family completely withdraw to the point they don’t understand they can still offer support and guidance. Fully separating themselves by saying something like, “It’s time you fix your own problems. It’s your addiction, so you deal with it.” That type of thinking creates feelings of neglect and unnecessary destruction to the addict.

Most who struggle with addiction feel helpless, alone, guilty, and shameful. Being able to show love and communicate well are vital to the addict for being able to heal. Show you care through your behavior. Act with kindness and compassion. Most people respond to addicts with criticism, insults, belittling, or rejecting them. Listen more than you talk. They are more likely to confide in you about what is really going on if you listen without giving advice, interrupting or criticizing. Even if you don’t agree with the behavior. Most experts agree 70-93 percent of communication is nonverbal, so it is more important how you say things, than what you say. If your loved one does not want help or support, obviously you can’t force or push it upon them. However, if they are reaching out you want to be helpful in a healthy manner.

The following is an example; Let’s say you have asked your loved one to attend support group meetings as a condition of living in your home. They come home and tell you they don’t like the meetings and don’t want to go anymore. Some family members take this as another excuse to not attend and not to follow the request. A supportive family member could say, “What is it you aren’t liking about the meetings?” Engage in an open dialog. Asking search questions that can’t be answered with a yes or no. “Is there another meeting you think you would like better? How do you think you could go about finding another option? What do you think you need to help your recovery the most? Is there something I can do to help support you?” Throughout this conversation, it is important to be patient and loving. It often takes 5-7 of these types of open-ended questions to be able to get a real conversation going. Trust the process and don’t give up too quickly. Then if the family member comes up with other ideas, be open to them. Say they want to go to the gym with a sober friend a few times per week instead of a meeting. You can be flexible in how your loved one makes changes. Offer help in ways they may like, without dictating their behavior. As long as the outcome is the same there isn’t any harm in letting them follow their own strategy for change. There should be many different options someone can engage in, to work on their recovery.

If the person doesn’t engage at all and you can tell they are making excuses and not wanting to follow your rules for staying in the home. It is important to respond in a matter of fact way without heavy emotion. Saying something like, “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you don’t want to attend. If this is the case, I guess you will need to look for another place to live. Let me know if you need help finding some resources. Otherwise, I will expect you out in the next 2 weeks. I wish you the best of luck finding another option. I’m really going to miss you.” Then walk out of the room. You leave the problem in their hands and not allow them time to argue.

Remember to communicate through your actions as well as your words. Remain consistent in your message, so they don’t misunderstand what you want or expect. Set a good example by being predictable in how you respond. Most individuals prefer consistency. It helps them feel safe as they know what to expect, even if they are angry because of the request.

Always let them know you love and care about them, no matter what their behavior is. Or that you have their best interest at heart whether they get help or not. There is a way to be loving, supportive, and communicate well. However, this doesn’t mean you will put up with anything. It does take work and practice, but it is possible, and this happy medium is where healing can genuinely happen on both sides.

Help can be as simple as a phone call away with professionals who understand the principles of recovery, relationships, and ultimately healing from addiction. Please feel free to contact us for counseling or coaching from anywhere. We have an abundance of ways to assist in erasing addiction and replacing it with attributes of understanding, love, compassion, and truth.

Blu Robinson 5/23/20 Blu Robinson 5/23/20

How To Help, Not Enable A Drug Addicted Family Member

Help not enable

Understand the addiction won’t go away on its own
Educate yourself on addiction and mental health issues
Put your needs first so that you are in a healthy place to be supportive
Allow them to experience consequences for their behavior (i.e. jail, loss of job)
Give love, not money
Give them space to take control of their own lives
Don’t do things for them that they can do for themselves
Don’t parent the individual, mostly if they are an adult, then become resentful about it
Find a support group and/or therapy for yourself
Set healthy boundaries
Stop making excuses for their behavior or yours
Support addiction treatment (inpatient, outpatient, private counseling)
Participate in family therapy

Podcast- How to Help a Drug Addicted Loved One

Blu Robinson 1/30/20 Blu Robinson 1/30/20

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder is a growing treatment option for many individuals. The research is gaining great momentum in the success rate it is having for individuals to gain long-term recovery. Here are the leading medication options with some short descriptions to assist you in understanding a little more about the options available.

Methadone- Opioid agonist-activating preceptors in the brain and changing how the brain responds to pain. Done at a clinic daily or dispensed weekly. Highly addictive, abusable, and overdose potential. Withdrawal is extreme if not tapered. There are studies showing negative long term effects on the brain in memory with prolonged use. Affordable. Longest researched treatment option with great success.

Buprenorphine- Partial opioid agonist-activates the brain’s opioid receptors but to a lesser degree than methadone. The pill is taken daily. Needs to be 24 hours after last use. You can get the feeling of euphoria if on too high of a dose, however, it plateau’s on increasing intoxication, which reduces the risk of misuse and overdose. Doctors must be trained and licensed to prescribe and pharmacies have limited scripts they can give out monthly. There are more and more being able to prescribe and it is becoming the standard for opiate abuse treatment. There is great research showing a low relapse rate and people being able to get their lives back. We have found 6mo-2years is a good amount of time on it. Many want shorter or longer times, but it is an individual decision and depends on the length of use and amount in conjunction with doctor and therapist input. Many finance options to make it quite affordable.

Suboxone- (buprenorphine/naloxone in 4:1 ratio) Daily prescription pill or dissolvable film. Need monthly doctor visits, at least. Need to be 24 hours after last use.

Sublocade- New extended-release form of buprenorphine injected monthly. $1,700 out of pocket.

Naloxone- Opiate antagonist-blocks the activating of opioid receptors, prevents euphoric high. Daily pill. Nonaddicting, noncontrolled. Must be clean for 7-14 days. Blocks opiate receptors. A great option, however many individuals do not have the willpower to take it daily as they often still haven’t closed the door on using. Also known as Narcan, commonly used to reverse an opioid overdose. Very affordable.

Vivitrol- Extextended release naloxone. The monthly shot that blocks the receptor. Wears off towards the end of the month and often cravings come back and relapse potential may be high until they get the next shot. $1400 out of pocket.

Any and all options should also be used in conjunction with therapy and counseling for the best results.

Please check with your health care provider for what option may be best for you. There are new and improved medications coming out all the time so staying connected with an addiction professional is the best way to understand the change in treatment options.

Blu Robinson 1/29/20 Blu Robinson 1/29/20

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) refers to the lingering effects of drug and alcohol withdrawal. The symptoms can come a few weeks to a few months after the initial acute withdrawal of substances. It is a brain recalibration process that can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years before the brain can naturally produce endorphins and dopamine. Often times PAWS can become a risk for relapse. Some of the most common symptoms are:

-Foggy thinking/trouble remembering
-Urges and cravings
-Irritability or hostility
-Sleep disturbances—insomnia or vivid dreams
-Fatigue
-Issues with fine motor coordination
-Stress sensitivity
-Anxiety or panic
-Depression
-Lack of initiative
-Impaired ability to focus
-Mood swings

The more you or a loved one are aware of the symptoms the better you are to deal with them. If you are struggling with PAWS symptoms look at ways to address it. Focus on balance in your life; sleep, self-care, nutrition, spirituality, social, etc. Please reach out, talk to someone, get support, and work through it. You can contact a trusted provider or counselor. We offer sober coaching and can help if you are interested email us.

Blu Robinson 12/18/19 Blu Robinson 12/18/19

Is Long Term Recovery Possible?

How does someone predict who will be successful in life? Years ago professionals thought it was all about IQ. A person’s intelligence level determined their future success. Then they recognized that was not always the case. Research then turned a corner and identified that social intelligence or EQ was a large predictor of success.

In 2013 psychologist, Angela Lee Duckworth presented a TED Talk on Grit. She studied individuals and measured different groups of people to see who would succeed and who would fail. She found that the key to real success across all areas of life, was grit. She said, “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals, having stamina, sticking with your future, day in day out for years. Working really hard to make the future a reality. It is living life like a marathon, not a sprint.” She found that individuals who learned about the brain and how it changes and grows in response to challenge were much more likely to persevere when they fail because they don’t believe failure is a permanent condition. What does this mean?... You can grow your grit!

How does this relate to recovery and being able to achieve long term recovery? Is long term recovery possible? Grit can make it possible for anyone! Recovery is a long-term goal that needs to be sustained over time. Sounds like the kind of thing Duckworth studied. How can we forecast who will achieve long term recovery? By assessing a person’s grit and how they increase it over time.

The big question now is, how do I build it?

1. Pursue your interests. If you are doing something you don’t like or doesn’t interest you, it will be difficult to push through the hard stuff. Get out and try everything. Find what you are passionate about and do it more.

2. Practice. Gritty people want to improve and working at it is how that is done. Practice may not make perfect, but it makes permanent. Our ability to learn isn’t fixed. Don’t give in when things are hard and increase your mental toughness. In study after study, Duckworth found that “where talent counts once, effort counts twice.”

3. Find a higher purpose. It is not just about finding something that interests you. It is about understanding that your interest contributes to the well-being of others.

4. Foster hope. To reach your goals you must believe it is possible. Research has shown that it is possible to change your brain and learn throughout your lifetime.

5. Surround yourself with gritty people. When you surround yourself with gritty people, the way they do things becomes the way you do things. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Athletes, achieving long term recovery is absolutely possible. Being able to heal from addiction can be done. What hope that gives. Everyone can be better and achieve more in life. Now get out there and work on increasing your grit today.

Blu Robinson 11/7/19 Blu Robinson 11/7/19

Recreation Therapy in Treating Addictions

"Alcohol/drug addiction is a leisure disease and a disease of leisure! People pay for the feeling because they don't know how to get it free. That is, they don't know how to play in a manner that produces the desired feeling." -Rozanne Faulkner

Most people take their first drink or drug during their leisure time. It happens while at a party or hanging out with friends, not in math class or during a shift at work. Due to this fact, leisure and addiction are often intertwined and individuals struggle to separate the two. Many abandon their leisure interests and hobbies when addiction takes over. One of the purposes of Recreation Therapy is to help them find and implement interests and activities again without the addiction. How do they recreate sober?

Recreation Therapy is a service, different from recreation services that use recreational and experiential modalities in designed prescriptive intervention strategies devised to reduce symptoms of addiction and/or mental health, develop new skills, increase independence, and quality of life.

Recreational Therapy benefits:

Improve social functioning
Develop effective problem-solving skills
Improve self-esteem
Promote positive social skills
Increase ability to cope with stressors
Identify new coping strategies
Increase feelings of control
Increase ability to focus
Decrease loneliness
Reduce boredom
Develop relaxation skills
Improve the use of free time and increase leisure planning
Increase the ability to have fun while sober

Importance of Leisure Education

A combination of a physical fitness program, healthy recreation activities, and fulfilling leisure time will aid in the development of a healthy recovery since it provides the individual the opportunity to practice lifestyle changes, balance and healthy coping skills. Teaching leisure skills to individuals during treatment will increase their ability to participate in appropriate leisure activities and move toward independent participation in recreation.

Importance of Fitness

Exercise has been shown to reduce cravings and use, helping to replace unhealthy habits and relationships, reducing overall stress and fatigue, and re-instilling a sense of taking care of one’s self. Exercise helps to repair the body and helps it heal by encouraging new muscle tissue growth and improving the body’s overall physiology. Exercise also encourages new brain tissue growth and repairs brain damage; in particular, serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which may have been damaged from prolonged drug or alcohol abuse, can actually be reversed.

Many people who exercise report a type of “high” they get as a result of exercising. This feeling is a product of these natural chemicals in the brain being released in healthy amounts which can help individuals who struggle with addiction feel better emotionally and physically, and improve the overall state of mind.

Importance of Recreation

Recreation is defined as an activity done for enjoyment when one is not working. Leisure is the use of free time that is enjoyable. Recreation and leisure are how an individual resets, recuperates, restores, and is re-energized.

By the time an individual needs addiction treatment, their leisure and social activities most likely revolve entirely around alcohol and drug use. People recovering from drug and alcohol abuse must learn how to manage stress and have fun without the use of chemicals. Finding leisure activities they enjoy can provide them with constructive use of their free time.

Recreational activities are an excellent tool for teaching individuals how to achieve goals, solve problems, socialize while sober, and handle stressful situations without the use of drugs or alcohol. Providing a variety of activities to participate in is necessary to help these individuals identify new interests and sober activities for them to enjoy on their own. Recreation is one of the key ways to Erase those negative behaviors or memories and Replace them with new, fun, uplifting ones. This in turn can also decrease triggers as they replace negative associations and create new ones.

Importance of Outdoor Recreation

The healing effects of nature are very powerful and can be highly therapeutic, especially to those in treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Outdoor recreation provides individuals with the chance to rest and refocus their energies on their recovery.

Benefits of outdoor recreation include reduced stress levels, increased attention span, improved relaxation, decreased anxiety, reduced blood pressure, and decreased risk of depression.

Importance of Recreation in Sobriety

Boredom is one of the biggest challenges people face in early recovery. If someone leaves the structure of treatment and returns home without a plan to address how they spend their free time it is easy to fall back into old habits and bad relationships. It is critically important to incorporate fitness and leisure activities as part of treatment as a way to spark an individual’s life-long interest in sober activities. People in early recovery need to be shown that it’s possible to have fun without the use of chemicals.

Addict to Athlete believes that an active role in sober recreational activities leads to a fuller and more rewarding life. It is time for you to give new life, create your life again, and bring freshness by recreating. We hope to help individuals and families not only recreate but re-create their lives. Our goal is to give our athletes an opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The anticipated result is to show individuals how to find enjoyment in a leisure activity, encourage them to be socially active while building sober support, and help them learn new skills they can apply to many areas of their lives, thus implementing our erase and replace philosophy.

Blu Robinson 10/18/19 Blu Robinson 10/18/19

We don't recover alone, we heal with our community support group

Addict II Athlete was established to assist the healing process of addiction recovery. We quickly realized that the team approach was more crucial than we had thought. When you have a community support group and system behind you, all motivated, moving towards the same goal, extraordinary things can happen. Addiction recovery can seem isolating and become part of a social networking problem. Team Addict to Athlete eliminates that social withdrawal and allows people to see their true potential. Sober support is crucial to long term sobriety.

In a support group like AIIA, members provide each other with various types of help, both professional and nonprofessional. Unlike other support groups, the team uses a philosophy developed by Blu Robinson, head coach, therapist and substance-abuse counselor alongside the athletic director Marissa Robinson, a certified recreational therapist. The professionalism and clinical view has assisted people struggling with addiction be able to utilize a new form of recovery. And in a day and age where treatment for drug and alcohol has become so outrageously priced, this team approach can help and assist individuals even beyond what they may have done before to put their addiction behind them.

We have found a team approach has been the best approach to eliminate substance use. Each athlete plays a crucial role in the team’s move to sobriety. We teach the universal principle that you are not an addict, that it is only part of you. That way all individuals who become members of team AIIA are not called addicts but, are labeled athletes. It becomes the foundation they need as they learn of the support system available to those who are facing critical issues. We train to become a unified team, an agent of sobriety, able to grow and connect like never before.

We are teammates coming together as a support group with members consisting of those who have an addiction and those who have a loved one struggling with addiction. On the field of battle, the real world by which the opponent, the addiction, is trying to force us into submission, we feel more empowered, drawing strength from our teammates as we develop a strong sense of community. Come join our support group and see what you can become.

We are team Addict II Athlete!